Lane Splitting in Texas – Is It Legal?

Lane splitting is illegal in Texas. According to the Texas Transportation Code, motorcyclists must stay within a single lane at all times, regardless of traffic conditions.

Lane splitting can be dangerous and result in an accident with a serious injury or fatality. It is considered a controversial practice that most states prohibit. If you or a loved one was harmed in a lane splitting accident, it is in your best interest to contact the dedicated Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyers at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP for legal help.

Our attorneys are well versed on current Texas laws pertaining to motorcycle lane splitting and how it might impact your claim and your right to compensation. We can explore the legal options available to you during a free, no obligation consultation today.

What is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting is the practice of driving between two lanes of traffic on a motorcycle. This typically occurs when there is stopped or slow-moving traffic on the road. Motorists may be sitting in a traffic jam, only to notice a motorcyclist driving by between stopped vehicles. This maneuver can cause an unsuspecting motorist to collide with a motorcyclist that has lane split.

Texas Law

The Texas Transportation Code Section 545.060, requires all motor vehicles—including motorcycles—to remain within a single lane of traffic when moving along a roadway. Specifically, the statute mandates that drivers “shall drive as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane.” This means that even in stop-and-go traffic or when congestion causes delays, motorcyclists must still comply with lane discipline laws.

• This applies regardless of congestion levels or traffic speed.
• The rule is enforced to maintain order and reduce the risk of collisions.
• Motorcyclists may not attempt to bypass traffic by weaving between cars, even if other vehicles are stopped.

Violations can also complicate matters in the event of an accident—especially if the rider is perceived as maneuvering unpredictably. Authorities and insurers may use such behavior to justify denying claims or assigning greater fault to the motorcyclist.

The law applies equally to all road users and aims to minimize abrupt or unexpected maneuvers that could lead to collisions. For riders, this means planning ahead and exercising patience, especially during peak traffic hours. Any deviation from this expectation may be treated as a traffic violation, potentially complicating legal matters in the event of a crash. If you’re unsure how these laws might affect your case, consulting with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer is always a wise step.

No Exceptions

There are no exceptions in the Texas Transportation Code that authorize motorcyclists to pass between lanes of stopped or moving traffic. Unlike states such as California, where lane splitting is permitted under specific circumstances, Texas law offers no leniency or carve-outs for motorcyclists attempting to navigate congested roads by riding between vehicles.

Motorcyclists are required to:

• Stay entirely within their designated lane.
• Use appropriate turn signals and change lanes like any other motor vehicle.

This lack of flexibility can be frustrating for riders accustomed to lane filtering in other states, but Texas law is firm in its emphasis on consistency and safety across all motor vehicles. Even during slow-moving or gridlocked traffic, lane splitting remains unlawful under any condition. This clear-cut rule applies across all counties and jurisdictions within the state, leaving no room for subjective interpretation.

Current Texas Laws on Motorcycle Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is currently illegal in Texas. Texas traffic laws state that vehicles must stay within a single lane of traffic on roads divided into two or multiple clearly marked lanes. Vehicles may move out of lanes, such as to change lanes, only when it is safe to do so.

Texas lawmakers are currently working to pass laws that make lane splitting legal. California is the only state in the U.S. that has made lane splitting legal. Specific laws outlawing lane splitting exist in certain states.

The state senate is now considering Senate Bill 288. This bill aims to make lane splitting legal in certain circumstances. Under this bill, motorcyclists on limited or controlled-access highways may perform lane splitting while traveling in the same direction as traffic on congested roadways under the following conditions:

• At a speed no greater than five miles per hour higher than the speed of surrounding traffic
• Only in traffic traveling at speeds of 20 miles per hour or less

Penalties for Lane Splitting

There are penalties for motorcyclists who break the law and lane split in Texas. Under the law, motorcycles are considered the same as cars and are subject to the same rules and regulations.

Motorcyclists caught lane splitting in Texas can face fines or other penalties, potentially including citations for speeding, unsafe lane changes, reckless driving, or following another vehicle too closely. Law enforcement officers have broad discretion to issue tickets for any driving behavior they deem unsafe, especially when a rider weaves between lanes or passes vehicles without signaling.

Lane splitting in Texas can result in a number of traffic violations and fines. Those found guilty of lane splitting may be subject to a $175 fine. In addition to lane splitting violations, motorcyclists may be ticketed for additional traffic violations including:

• Following too closely
• Unsafe lane changes
• Reckless driving

Liable Parties in a Lane Splitting Accident

In most cases of accidents caused by lane splitting, the motorcyclist is often held liable. Motorists do not anticipate that there will be a motorcyclist passing between lanes during high traffic times, and a motorcyclist’s carelessness is often pinned as the cause behind these types of collisions.

In some instances, a motorist and not a motorcyclist can contribute to a lane splitting accident. If the driver was using a cell phone, not paying attention or dangerously weaving in and out of or switching lanes, he or she may be held liable for any injuries suffered.

When this happens, motorcyclists must prove they were not responsible for the accident. To avoid liability, it helps to show:

• He or she was operating the motorcycle carefully. No traffic violations occurred such as speeding or weaving between lanes or around cars.
• He or she is an experienced motorcycle operator.
• He or she has taken a motorcycle safety course.
• The other driver performed a traffic violation that was more dangerous than the act of lane splitting.

Speak with an Experienced Attorney to Get Started

If you were injured in an accident caused by lane splitting, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney in Fort Worth can work with you – we will review your case and discuss your legal options for recovering compensation.

Schedule a free, no obligation consultation with our firm today. There are no upfront fees and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

If you lost a loved one or suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident in Dallas, Fort Worth or Arlington, our motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to help. Call (817) 920-9000 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form now.

Call us at (817) 920-9000 or complete our free online form now.